David Lavery
Features Writer at BikeTips
Something of an expert in balancing cycling and running with family life, David can usually be found battling the North Sea winds and rolling hills of Aberdeenshire, but sometimes gets to experience cycling without leg warmers in the mountains of Europe.
David mistakenly thought that his background in aero-mechanical engineering would give him access to marginal gains. Instead, it gave him an inflated and dangerous sense of being able to fix things on the bike.
David’s latest articles:
US Bike Infrastructure Faces Major Funding Cuts
A coalition of major bicycle manufacturers and more than 1,100 advocacy organizations have signed a …
Gravel Race Preparation: How to Train and Plan for Your First Event
Gravel racing has exploded in popularity over the past few years, growing from a niche …
Zone 2 Training for Cyclists: A Science-Backed Guide
If you have spent any time in the cycling world recently, you have heard the …
Zone 2 Training for Cyclists: A Science-Backed Guide to Endurance
Zone 2 Training for Cyclists: A Science-Backed Guide to Endurance Zone 2 training has become …
Bike Theft Prevention: How to Keep Your Bike Safe
Bike theft is one of the most frustrating and discouraging experiences a cyclist can face, …
Shimano Goes Wireless With 13-Speed GRX Di2: What Gravel Riders Need to Know
Shimano has officially launched its first fully wireless GRX Di2 gravel groupset, marking the Japanese …
Gravel Bike Setup and Geometry Explained
You’ve heard that gravel bikes are different from road bikes — but what exactly makes …
New Jersey Signs Strictest E-Bike Law in America: What Riders Need to Know
New Jersey now has the strictest e-bike regulations in the United States after Governor Phil …
California Mandates UL 2849 Certification for E-Bikes: What Every Rider Needs to Know
California has enacted the most aggressive e-bike safety standards in the United States, with new …
Gravel Race Preparation: How to Train, Equip, and Execute
Gravel racing is the fastest-growing segment of competitive cycling, attracting everyone from road racing veterans …
Recovery Techniques for Cyclists: Sleep, Stretching, and More
You do not get stronger while riding your bike. You get stronger while recovering from …
Zone 2 Training for Cyclists: The Science-Backed Guide to Building Your Aerobic Engine
If you follow any cycling coaches, podcasters, or pro team training philosophies, you’ve probably noticed …
Paris Has Become a Cycling Paradise — Here’s What Other Cities Can Learn
Paris has quietly become one of the world’s greatest cycling cities. Under Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s …
Bike Theft Prevention: A Complete Guide to Keeping Your Bike Safe
Every two minutes, a bicycle is stolen in the United States. In the UK, police …
Life Time Grand Prix 2026: $590K Prize Pool and Finisher Pay Reshape Gravel Racing
Life Time has announced sweeping changes to its 2026 Grand Prix gravel series, headlined by …
E-Bike vs Regular Bike: Cost, Fitness, and Practicality Compared
The e-bike market has exploded in recent years, and if you are shopping for a …
Ganna Catches Van Aert at the Line in Dramatic Dwars door Vlaanderen Finish
Filippo Ganna produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2026 Spring Classics season …
Chinese Bike Computer Brands Replace Garmin at Two WorldTour Teams for 2026
Garmin’s dominance of the professional cycling computer market just took its biggest hit. Two WorldTour …
Ardennes Classics 2026: Flèche Wallonne & Liège-Bastogne-Liège Preview
With Paris-Roubaix on April 12, the spring cycling calendar immediately pivots to its second great …
Gravel Bike Geometry Explained: How Frame Design Shapes Your Ride
Understand gravel bike geometry and how head angle, trail, chainstays, and stack-reach affect handling. Learn which geometry type matches your riding style.
FTP Testing and Training Zones: A Complete Guide for Cyclists
If you’ve spent any time in cycling communities, you’ve likely heard the term “FTP” thrown …
How to Train for Cobbled Cycling: What the Spring Classics Teach Amateur Riders
Every April, the world’s best cyclists race across medieval cobblestones at 50kph, and a global …
Used Bike Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
Buying a used bike is one of the smartest moves in cycling — a well-chosen …
Best Bike Locks: A Complete Guide to Bicycle Security
Bike theft is one of the most common property crimes in cities worldwide, and it’s …
Gravel Bike vs Road Bike: Key Differences Explained
The debate between gravel bikes and road bikes confuses many cyclists. On the surface, they …
E-Bike Maintenance: A Complete Guide to Keeping Your Electric Bike Running
An e-bike is a significant investment, and proper maintenance is essential to protect that investment …
Cannondale CAAD Returns With Round Tubes and a Modern Twist
Cannondale has brought back one of road cycling’s most iconic frame designs: the oversized round …
Pogacar’s 2026 Tour de France Strategy: Can He Win a Record Fifth Title?
Tadej Pogacar has built his 2026 season around a singular, audacious goal: winning all five …
New Cannondale SuperSix Evo Gen 5: Lighter, Lower, Faster
Cannondale has unveiled the fifth generation of its iconic SuperSix Evo road bike, delivering a …
D.C. Bike Lane Removal Sparks Federal Lawsuit — and a National Debate Over Cycling Safety
A protected bike lane that has served Washington, D.C. cyclists for years is under threat …
The Watt-Hour Problem: Why One Overlooked Detail Is Breaking US E-Bike Laws
The ongoing debate over how to regulate electric bicycles in the United States has a …
E-Bike Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Electric Bikes
Electric bikes have transformed cycling, making it accessible to more riders than ever — whether …
How To Fix a Flat Tire on a Bike: A Step-by-Step Guide
Few things will derail a ride faster than a flat tire. The good news? Fixing …
How To Draft And Ride In A Paceline: A Step-By-Step Guide
Drafting, or riding in the slipstream of another cyclist, is one of the most effective …
Which Cycling Grand Tour Has The Best Trophy? Giro, Vuelta, and Tour de France Trophies Ranked
Standing on the top step at the end of a grueling three weeks worth of …
Everything You Need To Know About Bicycle Seatposts: Sizes, Materials, Compatibility & Designs
Bicycle seatposts have started to get the attention that they deserve recently thanks to the …
Folding Bead Vs Wire Bead Bike Tires: What’s The Difference?
Growing up close to the birthplace of the inventor of the pneumatic tire, John Boyd …
Can You Ride A Road Bike On Gravel?
It is easy to see why growing ranks of self-confessed roadies are dipping their toes into the world of gravel riding. If you are one of these curious road cyclists then this article is for you. We will be looking at using a road bike on gravel and how, with a little fine-tuning, you can turn a road bike into a gravel-facing machine.
Exploring Croatia by Bike: David’s Top Tips
Croatia is still something of an uncut gem when it comes to cycling. What it …
How To Teach A Child To Ride A Bike in 5 Easy Steps
Teaching a child how to ride a bike is a huge milestone in their development, …
Learn How To Ride A Bike As An Adult: The Unbeatable Method
Our mission at BikeTips is to get more and more people out on bikes. We …
How Much Better Is A Professional Cyclist Than An Amateur? The Key Stats Explained
Let’s be real – we’ve all thought about it, especially on an especially good day …
The 5 Best Cycling Podcasts for 2026
Road cycling as we know it today was born from a need to create heroic …
Cannondale Vs Trek: Everything You Need To Know
When it comes to choosing a new bike or just one to add to your ever-growing collection, it can be hard to decide between all the different bike manufacturers. To help you out, in this article, we take a look at Cannondale vs Trek bikes to see how these two giants of the bike industry stack up against each other.
How Much Does An Electric Bike Cost?
An electric bike can cost anywhere from $600 to $10,000, depending on the quality of the bike and other factors, with most within the bracket of $1500 to $4000. However, there’s a lot more worth understanding than that – so in this article, I’ll be walking you through the different factors that affect the cost of electric bikes, and what features and build quality you can expect from electric bikes in different price brackets.
Do Electric Bikes Have Weight Limits? And How To Choose An eBike For Heavy Riders
Typically, eBike weight limits are between roughly 220 to 300 pounds (100 to 136 kg). You can normally find the weight limit for a specific model on the manufacturer website – but there’s a bit more to unpack when it comes the electric bike weight limits than that. In this article, we’ll be covering how to find eBike weight limits, what happens if you exceed them, and give you some tips on how to choose an electric bike for heavier riders.
6 Brilliant Bike Tricks To Progress Your Riding
If your climbing prowess or trail-taming skills don’t seem to impress your riding buddies, then maybe it’s time to start adding some bike tricks to your cycling repertoire. Whilst some of these tricks are just for showing off, most of them are also extremely useful and excellent tools to have in your cycling arsenal for both road and mountain biking, and I make use of them myself all the time.
Do Bike Helmets Expire?
Unfortunately, there’s no quick answer as to whether bike helmets expire due to time alone. The impact of normal wear and tear means a helmet that’s been used regularly will age very differently from one kept in storage, so there’s plenty more to understand as to when a bike helmet “expires”, and how often you should replace one.
Shimano SPD Vs SPD-SL Pedals: Everything You Need To Know
Whilst there are a variety of different clipless pedal systems used by amateurs and pros alike, Shimano’s SPD and SPD-SL clipless pedals are perhaps the most common versions used by road cyclists and mountain bikers. In this article, we’ll be comparing Shimano’s SPD vs SPD-SL pedal and cleat systems to help you decipher which is best for your riding.
Chain Vs Belt-Drive Electric Bikes: Are Belt-Drive eBikes Better?
Belt drives are becoming increasingly popular for bicycles as technology improves, and belt-drive electric bikes are particularly well-suited to take advantage of the design’s unique characteristics. If you are thinking about joining the ranks of electric bike riders, in this article, we will take a look at the different transmission systems and whether belt-drive electric bikes are superior to the traditional chain-drive system.
How Much Does A Bike Weigh? Average Bike Weights Explained – And Why They Matter
Anyone who has ever ridden a bike uphill will know the importance of weight. But just how much does a bike weigh? The weight of a bike varies massively depending on its style, purpose, and quality. High-end racing bikes can hit the UCI’s minimum weight limit of 6.8 kg (15 lbs) or even less, while beefy downhill mountain bikes can weigh as much as 20 kg (44 lbs). This answer isn’t very satisfying for any budding “weight-weeny” cyclists out there, however, and there’s a whole lot more vital information to know about average bike weights when you scratch beyond the surface.
Chamois Cream Explained (And How To Use Chamy Cream)
Cycling has never been short of unsung heroes. On this occasion, though, it’s not a devoted domestique we’re talking about. Instead, it’s that most unglamorous of cycling life-savers: chamois cream. Whether you’re a seasoned saddle warrior or just getting your feet wet in the world of two-wheeled adventures, we’re here to reveal the secrets of this nectar for your nether regions.
How To Cancel Your Peloton Subscription: Quick And Easy Guide
There’s no denying that Peloton has revolutionized the way we work out. However, life sometimes takes unexpected turns, and your fitness goals or circumstances may change. If you feel it’s time to make a change to your exercise regime, knowing how to cancel your Peloton subscription quickly and easily is a life-saver.
Types Of Bicycles Explained: The Ultimate Guide
With so many options available, choosing the right type of bicycle can be a daunting task. Cycling is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a lifestyle, a sport, and a means of adventure. If you’re new to the world of cycling or looking to expand your knowledge about all the diverse types of bicycles on offer, then you’ve come to the right place!
Cycling At Desks: Do Under Desk Bikes Work?
We all know that sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, pouring over yet another spreadsheet, is not at all how it was meant to be. Our bodies have evolved across millions of years and countless iterations to move and keep on moving. The office is the opposite of this, but step forward the growing phenomenon of cycling at desks!
6 Vital Steps for Cyclists Who’ve Fallen Off Bikes
In this article, we examine the 6 vital steps for cyclists who’ve fallen off bikes, from taking care of the immediate situation to dealing with the longer-term issues that can make getting back out on the roads daunting.
What Is A Strava KOM – And How Can You Beat Them?
When Strava was first released way back in 2009, few cyclists could have imagined just how ubiquitous it would become in the community. One of its unique features that really stood out amongst cyclists was the Strava KOM/QOM feature.
The 6 Most Infamous Tour de France Crashes Of the 21st Century
Though debate is raging over potential additional safety measures that could be introduced, the fact remains that danger is an inherent part of cycling. As this list will explore, many of the most infamous moments in the modern history of the Tour de France come from these shocking moments.
Tour de France Bikes 2023: Who Is Riding What, And How Much Does A Tour de France Bike Cost?
There are some people who watch the Tour de France simply to let to let the French countryside pour over them for three weeks. And there are those who tune into the most famous bike race just to gaze longingly at the Tour de France bikes. The Tour de France is by far the biggest cycling race in the calendar, one that transcends this niche sport, and the biggest bike and component manufacturers want their equipment in lights.
What Is A Road Bike? 7 Key Types Of Road Bikes Explained
It used to be so easy. A road bike went on the road and a mountain bike was for anything that wasn’t a road. In the modern cycling world, though, it can be difficult to answer the simple question: What is a road bike?
Winner Takes All: The 5 Most Dramatic Finishes in Tour de France History
Even after three weeks of racing and a few thousand kilometers in the legs, sprinkled with some of the most vertiginous climbs known to man, the Tour de France can be settled by just a handful of seconds. With the Tour de France 2023 just coming into view, let’s take a look at the 5 most dramatic finishes in Tour de France history.
Bicycle Insurance Buyer’s Guide: 4 Key Points To Look For
Recent years have seen the growth of specialist bicycle insurance companies with policies that aim to bridge this gap and provide coverage that meets the needs of cyclists.
Airless Bike Tires: Are Bikes With Solid Tires The Future?
It is dark, wet, and cold as you try to pry a deflated tire off …
Watts Per Kg For Cyclists Explained (With W/kg Calculator)
It might not fit our romantic ideal of cycling, of man against machine and mountain, but it is an undeniable truth that numbers win bike races. And no number is more sacred, more enshrined in cycling folklore, than the power-to-weight ratio. Typically measured in Watts per kg (W/kg), it is a measure of the power a cyclist can generate relative to their body weight.
Tour de France Commentators 2023: Channel-By-Channel, Nation-By-Nation
It is almost that time of the year where we surrender three weeks of our lives to plonk ourselves in front of the TV and let the Tour de France wash over us. Helping us through these three weeks is a Phalanx of Tour de France commentators. They guide us through the race, explain the team tactics, and shower us with knowledge of France, its history, and its mountains.